Friday Fictioneers – Tragedy at the Fair

Huntington Fairgrounds was a local place in town to take the kids every summer. A few rides, game stands with big stuffed animals; over cooked hot dogs, burgers and fries were the staple along with cardboard pizza.

My kids always brought a buddy friend.

They’d hate to leave.

Finally, I’d corral them for the whiny ride home.

“Let’s go”, I’d say. “A bathroom stop before we get into the car”.

Within moments, wailing and screams could be heard.
People running and crying abounded.

This incident is a true story that happened one summer. My middle daughter brought her friend, Lynn, that day. She was her best friend. The boy in the story was her 12 year old brother who had gone to the fair with his friends family. He suffered a great many injuries. His leg was also impaled. After many operations and a tremendous amount of care, he survived but had injuries that left him handicapped including difficulty walking. His family sued the fairgrounds and won their case. The fairgrounds were closed shortly thereafter.

Intriguing, sensitive, mysterious, loving, artistic and crackling with excitement for life is a pretty good description of who I am. I just retired from the world of art where I sold my Artfully Designed Handmade Jewelry for 28 years; although, art will always be a part of whom I am no matter what venue I choose to express it.

They were acting a bit strange for awhile but it’s understandable. They’re in their 40’s now so the memory must be a bit different I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask them.
Thanks for reading my story and commenting, Rgayer. I appreciate it.
Isadora 😎

Starts off an ordinary day – with that familiar cardboard pizza and ends up in tragedy. A horrible event that you described without melodrama. Don’t like to say a good story – what I mean is told with sympathy.

I really apprecaite your kind words for my story. It was a trauma that affected adults and children alike.
It imprinted in my mind to love those close to me every moment I can.
Thank you for visiting.
Isadora 😎

Sadly, it’s non-fiction. The traveling fairs don’t get regulated as strictly as they should. They’re in different states from one place to another. Believe me, I never took my kids to a fair again. To their dismay … But, really?? Kids forget very quicker about danger.
Disney was about it afterwards. I’m sure it’s reputable. You gotta love a place that has a girl and boy mouse. LOL I live a couple of hour from Disney Orlando. 😄
Thanks for popping in and commenting. It was a very different FF this week …!!!
Isadora 😎

As with all memories, they do start to fade.It isn’t as traumatic anymore since it’s been over 30 years.
But, seeing the carousel brought the story and circumstances to life. Glad you enjoy my story and
thought it was great, Alicia. I always enjoy visits from my FF co-writers. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Isadora 😎

Querida Rochelle,
It was a topic that circulated for some time among adults and children who
all knew each other. Trauma does effect us. I can’t help but think of the incident
whenever I see that type of carousel even after 30 years. The blessing in such a
hoorible event is that we hug our kids a little closer.
Con carino,
Isadora 😎

It happened over 3o years ago and we’ve since moved to another state. But, the memory of the incident still lingers when I see the carousel ride.
These are the moments of our lives when we are being shown things we must learn from. The biggest lesson for me was to love my children every moment I was with them. It was very sad for everyone.
I appreciate your kind compliments. Thank you. I’m enjoying the challenge at Friday Fictioneers very much.
Isadora 😎

I can imagine how such a memory could never be obliterated. It’s so very tragic. Yes, it’s so important to always love every minute of being with our children. They are precious.
And you’re welcome! Friday Fictioneers seems to attract the most thoughtful, compassionate, creative writers, it seems.

Shocking tale, Isadora! Was the boy actually in a swing? Then, this photo must indeed have been a visceral prompt for you! I can’t imagine how horrible that would be. We had one of these swings break at the carnival in my hometown. Several swings went flying across the parking lot, killing 1 and injuring several others… I’ve never been willing to ride one again.

Your story is as shocking as the real one behind it. You pull the reader along, enjoying the fair and the mundane parts of dealing with kids, and shock us at the end. Well done!

Yes, the boy was still in the swing. The photo was a sad reminder of what happened that day.
Although this is a fiction challenge, I couldn’t seem to write it in a fictitcious tone. Everyone was
affected that day. It was one of those moments when you’re very grateful for your children and
want to enjoy every moment with them despite their whining. ❤️ ( side note: my kids were BIG
whiners because they knew I would give in. They told me as adults.)
I appreciate your visit to my blog, Dawn. Thank you for your very coomplimentary comment.
Isadora 😎

Yes, Gilly, it was very tragic and sad. The incident comes to mind whenever I see that type of carousel.
In that instant, I saw how important it is to cherish your loved ones every moment you can.
Thank you for the complimentary comment.
Issy 😎

I appreciate your complimentary comment, Susan. Yes, a tragic story. Although it’s a fiction challenge, The photo brought back
the story instantly to mind. It was a very sad event for all. Thank you …
Isadora 😎

I realize it’s Friday Fictioneers and the story should be fiction. But, the photo of the ride brought that story right back instantly.
You’re right about the money. The child was never the same again.
I prefer well-establihed places with rides – Disney – rather than these fairs that travel.
Thanks for coming by, Emilio, and commenting.
Isadora 😎

Yes, the photo prompt brought the incident to mind immediately. It was so very sad for everyone who knew the family.
Fairgrounds that are traveling ones aren’t on my list anymore. But, a well-established one like Disney is a little different.
They are monitered and inspected frequently. Thanks for visiting, Bjorn. I always enjoy your comments and dialog.
Isadora 😎

Yes, the traveling fairs aren’t subject to strict rules. I believe an established place such as Disney is a better place to take our children. I’m way past that now but I do have small grandkids. I’d be pertified to take them.
Thank you for coming by and reading my story, Sylvia. Have a GREAT weekend ..!!!
Issy 😎

It’s was a very sad and tragic day for many, Sandra.
Thank you for your compliment on my story. Although this is a fiction challenge, the photo prompt
brought the incident immediately to mind. I just had to write about it. I always knew it would ve a good one.
Isadora 😎

How frightening, Isadora. I think back now to some of the carnival rides I rode as a child in the 60s and feel so blessed that nothing like that happened. My mom hated those old traveling carnivals. When I got older, I understood her fear (mortality had set in!). Sometimes those rides felt like they were going to come flying off while you were in them. Of course, as an invincible child, that was the unknowing fun.

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